Sonardyne Brasil, a unit of UK-based Sonardyne, has delivered an acoustic positioning simulator to vessel control and automation company GE Power Conversion’s new training school in Macaé, Brazil.

The newly delivered Sonardyne Marksman acoustic simulator enables mimicked acoustic positioning operations on dynamically positioned (DP) rigs and ships.

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GE’s new Marksman system is equipped with a navigation PC running its long and ultra-short baseline (LUSBL) application, and 6G Sim, a software application that simulates a collection of transponders on seabed transmitting signals up to the surface.

"Our technologies are deployed in all of Brazil’s deep water fields, helping to survey pipelines, install structures and drill wells."

The system has also been interfaced with GE’s ‘C’ series DP desk to provide DP operators with realistic onshore training experience.

To be used to train future DP officers, the simulator will help understand the role of acoustic positioning when a vessel remains in a specified location to perform underwater operations.

Sonardyne DP and drilling global business manager Mark Carter said: “Our technologies are deployed in all of Brazil’s deep water fields, helping to survey pipelines, install structures and drill wells.

“Simulator-based training, like that offered by GE in Macaé and ourselves in Rio das Ostras, not only helps maximise equipment performance, it also reduces operational risk.”

The Marksman system calculates a vessel’s position relative to an array of transponders installed on the seabed, and offers an accurate and highly stable position reference for DP vessels.

Known to be an automated control technology that allows a deep water mobile drilling unit to maintain a predetermined heading and position, DP technology counters the effects of wind, currents and wave action.  

In order to perform its functions, DP systems require subsea acoustic positioning along with satellite navigation, surface-based lasers, and high-performance attitude sensors.

Image: The Sonardyne Marksman acoustic simulator equipment supplied to GE will help train the next generation of Brazilian DP Officers. Photo: courtesy of SONARDYNE.